Managua, Nicaragua -- Thirty-two Marines from Second Platoon, Company A, Marine Barracks Washington, participated in the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Nicaraguan Armed Forces here, Sept. 12, 2009.
Significantly, this is the first time the Nicaraguan military has invited the U.S. military to participate in such a historical event, which was coordinated by U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South (MARFORSOUTH) in Miami, and the U.S Military Group U.S Embassy, Managua, Nicaragua. The request was submitted to the ceremonial unit based at the U.S. Marine Corps Barracks at 8th and I streets in Washington, D.C., whom took part in this good will visit to demonstrate the precision of Marine Corps close order drill, exemplify the professionalism associated with the United States Marine Corps and promote better relations between the United States and Nicaraguan militaries and the peoples of both nations.
Throughout the few days leading up to the ceremony, the Marines got the unique chance to experience a new culture, language and way of life – a novel experience for some.
“In my Marine Corps’ career, this is the first time I have had the opportunity to travel outside the country,” said Cpl. Nicholas S. Hefley,” a squad leader with second platoon.
During the ceremonial practices, the Marines had the opportunity to interact with their counterparts from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Through the use of translators and some bilingual service members, as well as, some nonverbal communication, the Marines learned about some of the differences and similarities between each military. For some, this experience was a first.
“I have never had the opportunity to meet service members from other countries,” said Lance Cpl. Daniel C. Perez, a member of the marching platoon. “I am fluent in Spanish, so it was easy for me to interact and understand them. It’s interesting how many similarities there are between each military.”
In support of United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), MARFORSOUTH routinely sends training teams to Nicaragua to assist the Nicaraguan Marine Corps in developing the capability for them to conduct narcotics interdiction missions and stem the flow of illegal narcotics that is a threat to both our nations.
The U.S. militaries and Partner Nation militaries within the USSOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility, participate together in yearly training exercises, Mobile Training Teams (MTTs) and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) with a common goal of preparing our militaries to conduct missions such as U.N. Peace Keeping Operations, Narcotics Interdiction and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
“U.S. Marines were involved in Nicaragua in the early 20th Century; however, today, we come as invited guests and good will ambassadors to honor the Armed Forces of Nicaragua and a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between our two nations,” said Maj. Walter Finney, a MARFORSOUTH operations officer.
As the visit ended, the Marines left Nicaragua the same way as they had arrived; peering out the plane windows. Only this time, the anticipation was replaced with a rewarding experience and a sense of accomplishment that the mission was a success.